What is SBRT?
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is an advanced radiation technique that delivers high doses of radiation with high precision to a single tumor or a small number of tumors. Unlike conventional radiation therapy — delivered over several weeks — SBRT completes treatment in just a few sessions over a matter of days, while limiting radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and organs.
What cancers can SBRT treat?
Radiation oncologists use SBRT to treat small tumors, and it may be recommended for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery. SBRT serves as a non-surgical option for:
- Primary tumors at their original site
- Tumors with limited spread (oligometastatic disease) — small enough in size and number to be effectively targeted
Cancers commonly treated with SBRT include:
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
What are the common side effects?
Side effects vary depending on cancer type and the patient’s overall health.
For prostate cancer specifically, patients may experience frequent or urgent urination, along with changes in bowel habits such as increased frequency or discomfort during bowel movements. These effects are typically temporary, but should be discussed with your doctor if they occur.
What are the benefits of SBRT?
Research shows SBRT is an effective treatment for certain cancers. It allows doctors to target tumors precisely while minimizing impact on surrounding organs and tissue — achieving accuracy comparable to surgery, without the need for an operation. SBRT also requires fewer treatment sessions than conventional radiation therapy, which may help reduce the risk of side effects.
How effective is SBRT?
SBRT is an effective alternative to surgery in certain cases. Recent studies have shown that SBRT achieves outcomes comparable to surgery for early-stage lung and prostate cancers. It is also used as a non-surgical option to slow tumor growth in cases of metastatic disease.
What are the risks?
In rare cases, SBRT can cause long-term side effects if healthy tissue is affected by radiation, with the specific effects depending on which organ was treated. However, the key advantage of SBRT is its precision — the treatment team carefully plans each session to direct radiation at the tumor while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.
As with all forms of radiation therapy, there is a small risk of developing a secondary cancer as a result of treatment. SBRT helps minimize this risk by limiting exposure to healthy organs and tissue. Patients are monitored regularly afterward to check for new or recurring cancer.
